Respirator



Oct. 23, 1951 w FQLBERTH 2,572,254

RESPIRATOR Fi'led Dec. 8, 1949 Patented Oct. 23, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RESP-IRATOR William M. Folberth, (lleveland', Ohio Application December 8, 1949, Serial No. 131,720

7 Claims,

This invention relates to respirators, dust filters, and the like and more particularly to a filter device adapted to protect the user from nontoxic-dusts and other air-borne particles;

Many types of respirators, nasal filters and the like have been devised So far as I am aware, these.- without exception have been Subject: to one, or more of the following difficulties: They are uncomfortable; they interfere with Vision; the filter elements are. difficult to replace; the devices; are expensive; they interfere with normal conversation; they irritate the nose or portion of the face with which they come in Contact.

A general object of the present invention is, the provision of simple, inexpensive respirators, nasal filters or the like in which all of the above noted. difiiculties are eliminated, More specific objects include the provision of verylight and simple respirators which are effective in use yet which are hardly noticeable to. the wearer; the provil sion of respirators in which the. filter material can be changed with little diificulty and in a very short space of time; the provision of respirators. in which different. amounts of filter ma;- terial can be used depending upon the severity of the conditions encountered; and the provision of respirators embodying extremely inexpensive replaceable filter elements l.

Further objects and advantages of the invenwill become apparent from the following description of a preferred form thereof, reference being made. tov the accompanying drawings in which Figure 'l is a perspective view showing one form of my respirator in position upon the head of a user; Figure 2 is a View on an enlarged scale showing the respirator of Figure I removed from the user; Figure 3' is a side elevational view of the frame of the respirator shown in Figure 2;, Figure 4 is. an end elev-ational view ofthe frame of the respirator of Figure 2; Figure 5 is; a front elevational view of a. modified form of respirator; Figure 6 is a side elevation of the frame of the respirator of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an end elevation of the. frame of the respirator of Figure 5; and Figure 8; is a somewhat diagrammatic illustration "of a pack of the preferred filter material utilized with my respirators.

Preferably I accomplish the foregoing and other objects. of my invention by providing respirators which consist only of a simple frame which may be composed of light metal, plastic orthe like, and which are adapted to be disposed adjacent the nostrils of the user; a very light elastic band that encircles the users head and holds the frame in position; and a flexible filter pad disposed between the frame and the users nostrils and held in position solely by frictional engagement with the frame and the edges; of the;

users nostrils, the shape of the frame bein such that most of the area, of that portion of the filter pad that overlies the users nostrils is open and unobstructed.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 4 of the draw ings, one; form of the frame is indicated in gen-- eral at ID, the elastic band at H, and the filter pad at 12. As shown in Figure 1, the, frame H.- is held beneath the users nostrils by the 813,57 tic band, H with the filter pad l2 interposed between the frame and the users nostrils. he;

form of the invention shown in Figures 2', 3 and 4,- the, frame, consists of two identical rim per--- tions l4 and I5 which may be connected to each other tangentially or by means of a small web portion {6 adapted to be disposed beneath the center or web of the users nose. The rims {4 and I5 define apertures 11 and [8' which are preferably a little larger than the usersnostrils; e. g., the dimension A (Figure 3-) is somewhat greater than the width of the average nose, while the dimension (3- (Figure 4) is slightly less than the distance from lip to tip of the average. nose,

The rims l4 and [5 preferably do not. entirely coincide with the edges of the users nostrils; however, spaced portions of the rims underlie the edges of the users nostrils and thus; hold the filter pad in engagement with the edges of the nostrils at spaced points. This provides a valve. action as described below and makes accuratefitting of the device unnecessary.

When the device is in use, the apertures I1 and 18 are blocked by the filter elementv or pad 42. The filter element I 2 preferably is,- in rectangular sheet form and larger than the overall dimensions of the frame member so that no particular degree of care is necessary in properly positioning the filter element with respect to the frame-.,

In order to provide for a comfortable fit of the frame member with the users nose, the frame I0 is bent along the web portion 16 as shown in Figure 3 so that the two rim portions [4 and; iii are ang'ula-rly related to each other, makingthe frame upwardly concave in the direction of the len th thereof; the rim portions l4 and I5, are curved as shown in Figure 4 to present surfaces which are upwardly convex in the trans verse direction. Preferably, the frame is com: posed of light, ductile, corrosion resisting metal, such as aluminum, which the user can bend with his fingers to form the frame into a comfortable. shape which will hold the filter pad in proper relationship with his nose.

The elastic band H is secured to the rims l4 and I5 in any suitable manner, such as by small, knots it for holding the frame ID in position, and is preferably made in the form of a thin las-.. tic thread. Only slight pressure is necessary to hold the frame in position against. the nostrils because of the nature of the filter pad, as will be explained more fully below. Hence, the band or thread H is preferably of such length and strength that the frame l and filter pad l2 are urged against the nostrils with a total force of about one ounce or even less. Elastic sewing thread having a diameter of about /64 inch and composed of a thin strand of rubber or the like covered with yarns composed of textile fibers is a satisfactory material for the band II. The frame l0 as Well as the filter pad [2 and elasitc band II have negligible weight. Therefore the complete device is so light in weight and is held in position with such a light pressure that it is scarcely noticeable to the user and does not tend to irritate or to cause irritation.

As mentioned above, the frame In is relatively small andcompact. For example, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the length A of frame In is 1 inches, the depth B inch, and the width C inch. It is to be understood that these dimensions are given by way of example only.

As noted above, the filter pad I2 is held in position in light engagement with the users nostrils solely by the frictional engagement with the frame l0. No clips or other securing devices are employed. Therefore, the user may change the filter pad |2 readily by merely grasping the frame ID in one hand either by the web portion H or by the outer edges of the rims 4 and I5, moving the frame away from his nose against the tension of the elastic band and removing the used filter pad and positioning a new one against the frame with the other hand. The operation is completed by allowing the elastic band H to move the frame In and filter pad |2 into engagement with the nostrils.

Figures 5, 6 and '7 illustrate a modified form of my respirator which is used in the same manner as the form described above and consists of a frame that may be composed of light metal, plastic or the like. The fram 2|] is preferably formed in one piece and has a main portion 2| which is adapted to extend across and underneath the nostrils of the user, each end of the portion 2| being turned back or looped on itself as indicated at 22 in Figure 6. An elastic band 23 is secured to the looped ends 22 of the portion 2| as by knots 24 to hold the frame 20 in position beneath the nostrils. The portion 2| is provided with a fold 25 at its center to enable the frame to be grasped easily by the user. As shown particularly in Figure 6, the portion 2| is concave upwardly to conform to the general shape of the nose and is lon enough to extend beyond the outer edges of the users nostrils.

In order to assist in retaining the filter pad l2a in proper position, a pair of spaced finger portions 26 are provided; these are preferably integral with the main portion 2| and extend across it substantially midway between the looped ends 22 and the fold 25. Each finger 26 extends on either side of the portion 2| and is curved as shown in Figure '7 so as to present an upwardly convex surface. Since the frame is composed of light ductile material, the wearer may, if desired, bend the fingers 26 as well as the main portion 2| in order more comfortably to adapt the unit to his nose.

This form of the invention is used in the same manner as the previously described form. A pad |2a of filter material is inserted between the frame 20 and the users nostrils to filter the air inhaled by the user; the elastic band 23 supported on the users head in any convenient manner lightly holds the frame and filter pad in a proper position across the nostrils. The frame 2|l holds the pad in place against the underside of the users nose, the main portion 2| underlying the web of the nose and the outer edges of the nostrils while the end portions of fingers 26 underlie the edges of the nostrils near the lip and near the tip of the nose; thus the pad |2a is held in engagement with the edges of the nostrils at spaced points as in the previous modification. Also the upwardly concave main portion 2| and the upwardl convex fingers 26 conform comfortably to the users nose and prevent accidental displacement of the device in a manner similar to the longitudinally concave and transversely convex frame In of the previously described modification. The fingers 26 and main portion 2| of the frame have relatively small width dimensions so as to offer minimum resistance to air breathed in by the user and yet afford adequate support for the filtering pad |2 with which the frame is used. The open spaces between the finger portions 26 permit air to be drawn into the nostrils in the same manner as through apertures I! and I8 in frame It]. The modified respirator shown' in Figures 5, 6 and 7 functions in a manner similar to the previously described unit to filter for-- eign matter from air and has the same advantages of light weight, small size, filtering effectiveness, economy of manufacture, ease of putting on and removing from the operators head and adaptability for changing filter pads.

While any suitable thin sheet filtering material such as fine cotton gauze may be employed, I prefer to use filter material such as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings; this material comprises a pack 30 made up of very thin layers of substantially pure cellulose fibers in thin crepe paper form. The material known as crepe wadding is satisfactory. The material is cut to the desired size with a rather large number of layers, say or 60, in each pack. The user may then separate as many layers as he desires from the complete pack to form a pad |2 for use in the respirator. For ordinary dust conditions, a filter pad made up of three layers may be sufficient. For more severe conditions, a pad comprising five or seven layers may be desired. Obviously it is easier to breathe through the thin pad, but thicker pads are more effective filtering media.

Regardless of the number of layers employed, the pad I2 is highly flexible. The individual layers are very thin and easily separated from each other, giving an extremely flexible structure. Such flexibility provides a valve action in the respirator, permitting the pad to be held without annoying pressure against the nostrils and making breathing easier. filter pad is effective as a filter as long as it is held close to the nostrils by the respirator frame, even though the pad may not be in engagement with the nostrils throughout breathing. The reason for this is that when the user inhales, the pad or at least the layer or layers thereof nearest the users nostrils will be drawn into engagement with the edges of the nostrils, thus constraining substantially all of the air that passes into the nostrils to pass through and be filtered by the pad. When the user exhales, however, the pad may be deflected away from the nostrils inasmuch as the frame only underlies the edges of the nostrils at spaced points, permitting the pad to move away from the edges of the nostrils in regions where it is not held thereagainst by the frame, and also for the reason that the frame is held ing is required than with devices in which the Thus, the flexible filter medium is completely sealed against the users face. This advantageous mode of operation results from the use of thin fiexible multilayer pads which are not secured to the frame member in any way except by the action of the elastic band. i

From the foregoing description of preferred forms of my invention, it will be evident that I have provided respirators, nasal filters or the like which can be manufactured at extremely low cost and which are efficient in operation. My devices are so compact and light'that', after a short time, users are not aware of their presence. The filter pads are very inexpensive and can be changed with a minimum of effort in a very short time. The valve action resulting from the thin fiexible filter pads l2 and the lightgengagement thereof with the users nose permitsmuch easier breathing than with other respirators. The amount of filtering action can be varied to suit the severity of the conditions. The device is so compact that it does not interfere with conversion nor does it block the users vision.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made in my invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description of a preferred form of the invention is given by way of example and not by way of limitation.

I claim:

1. A respirator comprising a frame member providing closely spaced openareas, said respirator being adapted to be disposed against the nose of a user with the open areas beneath the users nostrils, an elastic band adapted to be supported on the users head and to urge the frame member toward the users nostrils, and a thin flexible filter element overlying the open areas provided by the frame and adapted to be disposed between the frame and the adjacent portions of the user's nose and held in place solely by engagement between said frame and the users nose.

2. A respirator comprisingv a frame member providing closely spaced open areas, said frame member being adapted to be disposed against the nose of a user with the open. areas beneath the users nostrils, said frame member having a central portion adapted to be disposed beneath the web of the user's nose, end portions projecting beyond the outside edges of the users nostrils and intermediate portions adapted to be disposed beneath spaced points on the edges of the users nostrils, said frame member being upwardly concave in a longitudinal direction and upwardly convex in a transverse direction, an elastic band secured to the end portions of said frame member, and a thin flexible filter element overlying the open areas provided by the frame and adapted to be disposed between the frame and the adjacent portions of the users nose and held in place solely by engagement between said frame and the users nose.

3. A respirator for filtering foreign matter from air drawn into the nostrils of, a user, comprising a frame member having a pair of substantially identical rim portions, said rim portions each having an aperture and being spaced from each other by a web portion disposed between and connected to said rim portions, said rim portions being upwardly convex transversely of the frame and being bent toward each other about the web portion whereby the frame is upwardly concave longitudinally. said rim portions being adapted to be disposed beneath the end of the nose of the user with the apertures therein in registration with the users nostrils, an elastic band connected to the frame member and adapted to be supported on the user's head for urging the frame member toward the users nostrils, and filtering means disposed between the frame member and the users nostrils and overlying the apertures in the frame for filtering air breathed in by the user, said filter element comprising a plurality of layers of thin porous material having width and length dimensions substantially larger than corresponding dimensions of said frame member whereby to overlap same and being held in place solely by frictional engagement between said frame member and the users nose.

4. A respirator for filtering foreign matter from air drawn into the nostrils of a user, comprising a, frame member providing a pair of closely spaced openings, said respirator being adapted to be disposed against the nose of a user with the openings in the frame member in registration with the users nostrils, resilient means connected to the frame member and supported on the users head for urging the frame member toward the users nostrils, and a thin flexible filter element disposed between the user's nostrils and portions of said frame adjacent thereto and closing the openings in said frame, said filter element comprising a plurality of layers of thin porous material having width and length dimensions substantially larger than corresponding dimensions of said frame member whereby to overlap same and being held in place solely by frictional engagement with said frame member and the users nose.

5. A respirator according to claim 4 wherein said filter element comprises a plurality of layers of thin porous light-weight cellulosic material,

said layers of said material being readily separable from each other.

6. A respirator comprising a frame member having an upwardly concave longitudinal member, said longitudinal member having a pair of spaced tranverse members extending therefrom, the spaces between said transverse members and said longitudinal member being open, said transverse members being upwardly convex.

7. A pack of filter material adapted to be separated into pads for use in a respirator for filtering foreign matter from air drawn into the nostrils of a user. said respirator including a frame member and resilient means connected thereto for holding the frame member near the users nostrils, said pack comprising a plurality of thin flexible porous sheets of cellulosic material, said sheets in said pack being adapted to be easily separable from each other to form pads each embodying a lesser number of sheets than in said pad, said pad having width and length dimensions substantially larger than corresponding dimensions of the outer edges of the user's nostrils whereby to overlap the edges of the users nostrils.

WILLIAM M. FOLBERTH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record the file of this patent:

Feltner Mar. 18, 1919 

